Saagar Kote
‘Life of the Party’ is the story of Deanna Miles, a middle-aged woman who enters a turbulent phase of life. She enjoys a sweet relationship with her daughter Maddie, but her life is upended when her husband Daniel suddenly declares that he is divorcing her. Overcome by grief and encountering feelings of low confidence, she decides to take a risk and pursue her college degree at the same University her daughter is in. Directed by Ben Falcone, the comedy film navigates the hilarious chemistry between the mother and the daughter as they become college mates.
The film explores the ideas of generational gap, the meaning of life, liberation from constraints, and female empowerment. One of the most important elements in the story is the portrayal of university life, and the way a middle-aged student perceives it. In this context, the sorority called “Theta Mu Gamma” plays a vital role in the narrative, especially in terms of bringing the protagonist face-to-face with a younger generation of girls. SPOILERS AHEAD.
Theta Mu Gamma is a Group of Diverse Individuals
Written by the aforementioned director with Melissa McCarthy, ‘Life of the Party’ is a humorous take on Deanna’s midlife crisis. Her foray into university culture comes with its own set of challenges. One of them is the sorority known as “Theta Mu Gamma.” The sorority, although a fictional group, houses the aspirations and passions of a number of college girls. It is presumably the most popular sorority of Decatur University. Important moments in the lives of Maddie, Debbie, Amanda, and eventually Deanna happen within the sorority. While it is a piece of fiction, the Theta Mu Gamma houses real emotions and heartwarming friendships. It spiritually represents other sororities in the US, where students build friendships and relationships that, in many ways, shape their lives.
Sororities and fraternities are student clubs that are mainly found in the US. Sororities are formed based on common goals and interests of the members. As the names suggest, sororities are usually exclusive to women, and fraternities are for men. Theta Mu Gamma in the film is one such sorority that also requires a pledge and an initiation ceremony for anyone to be considered a part of it. The sorority and fraternity systems are also called the “Greek System” due to the usage of the Greek letters to denote such groups, which is true in the case of Theta Mu Gamma. In the film, the sorority has individuals who support each other through the ups and downs in their lives. Despite the age difference, the sorority makes Deanna an honorary member because of the way she connects to the group.
Each individual within the group represents different dreams and aspirations, who also have their own silliness and insecurities. The happenings within the group add to the humor of the film. The role played by the sorority in the film also connects the narrative to other films like ‘Legally Blonde’ and ‘Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising,’ wherein sororities play an important role in the story. The humanity of the characters and their grounded emotions come to life in the group. Ultimately, Theta Mu Gamma, while being a fictional creation, highlights the energy, chaos, and culture of sororities in the US.
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